Associate Review

Speaking with clients around how we can utilise technology to improve their tax provisioning, compliance and statutory reporting processes. This may involve implementation of a third party software, creating bespoke solutions for them based on their current processes, review of current processes, modelling and ad-hoc consulting work. I also take part in business development opportunities both internal and external facing to build relationships and develop opportunities for future work. Day-to-day I have oversight of technical areas within tax but also third-party technology offerings and the offerings being developed by PwC internally. The team works on a mixture of projects lead by us and working as part of larger transformation projects with other areas of the business.

I have developed an understanding of the tax provisioning process and knowledge around how to implement specific third party vendor solutions, both through a mixture of formal training courses and on-the-job training. I have also been able to develop and cement the tax and accounting concepts I have learnt as part of my professional qualification. I have also learnt to use a number of softwares to carry out data analysis, automations and visualisations. Throughout my apprenticeship I have also developed a number of soft skills including public speaking, critical thinking and problem solving as these are skills use day-to-day

I enjoy both the college aspects and day-to-day work I take part in as part of my programme. I find the work and studying challenging and on the whole feel well supported in both of these by my team and the training provider. Overall, the support provided from PwC central of the programme leaves some things to be desired as it often feels like there is a lack of support and consideration for student wellbeing. Several large policies have been changed such as moving the timeframe of sitting exams and not allowing resits in some exams, very last minute and the team are often unsympathetic to students worries when this is done. This has impacted my enjoyment of the programme as it has at times felt disorganised and I have felt unsupported by the central team.

As mentioned above, the programme has undergone a lot of changes over the course of the two years I have been on it, with poor communication of plans to make these changes and the changes themselves. Initially, I was on a "study-first" pathway to which would mean I would have sat 90% of my exams in the 18 months of my programme. This was changes several weeks before we were preparing to go into college for the final stage of professional exams, which meant many of my cohort had left the summer free for exams and had a large amount of holiday they had saved to take study leave which they had to effectively waste. The number of self study days s often changed halfway through the process which plans planning revision and study very difficult and we were informed after sitting the initial paper for the CTA qualification that the qualification was no optional and there was no scope for resit after having sat the first exam. Overall, it feels as though there has been a real lack of thought around the entire programme which has made it very confusing and chaotic at times. I have been on the whole disappointed around the organisation and lack of sympathy from the organising team around the concerns of students impacted by this poor organisation.

The support I receive from my employer varies by area of the business massively. My team are incredibly supportive around providing extra training where needed, wellbeing support and flexibility when I need it particularly in relation to my studies and professional qualifications. Speaking with other graduates this is the case across a number of the business units. Centrally, there is a real lack of support and communication with last minute changes regularly happening to the path of study, emails often go unanswered and there is a real lack of flexibility and at time emotional support from the teams organising the grad schemes.

I have had extremely positive interactions with my training provider and the tutors are engaged and willing to give up time during their weekends and evening if required outside of the teaching programme. I have found the tax tutors to be especially supportive and accommodating and willing to take the time to help me and other students if they are struggling with content etc. The tutors also seem to personally be invested in the success of the success of the class, which is always important. I am dyslexic and I have also felt like they are receptive to my additional learning requirements and extremely receptive when I flag a need for additional support.

I feel that my professional qualification is useful but not essential. On the whole, the tax and accounting knowledge provides a really useful core base of knowledge, without which I would have had a far steeper learning curve when I started my role. There are several people on my team who do not have professional qualifications and do similar work to myself, rather learning the required concepts on the job.

There are a number of different networks and communities to be involved with, including across different faiths, social movements and activities, both firm wide and at the network level. Upon joining you are provided with a lot of information about these groups and where to go to find more information about them which is very useful.

Yes

I would recommend PwC to a friend as the role offers a great deal of flexibility and the grad scheme provides a good frame for personal and professional development. I have been able to take advantage of a variety of opportunities during my time here and people are invested in your wellbeing and development.

I would advise people to review the PwC professional framework and think about how this would apply to them. Exploring the business unit you are applying to online to get a feel for the type of work they carry out is also a good idea, and if this is the right fit for you.